Westender can take centre stage

This will be run at a faster pace than unbeaten Irish mare Like-A-Butterfly is used to and the speed of former Flat racer Westender could prove decisive.

Rested after facing a stiff task in the Ascot handicap won by Marble Arch, Martin Pipe's six-year-old had stacked up five straight wins and would have beaten The French Furze more decisively here but for an almighty blunder at the last flight. Native Scout is a lesser fancied Irish runner who should go well for Norman Williamson.

2.35 Irish Independent Arkle Chase:

It is not difficult to pick holes in the form of leading contenders Barton, Fondmort and Seebald, while Moscow Flyer has twice been on the floor.

There could be a turn-up in the shape of Il'Athou , who has won his last three starts in the style of a bold jumping front-runner. He was placed over fences in France as a four-year-old and his trainer, Simon Sherwood, knows what it takes to win here.

3.55 William Hill Handicap Chase:

Ad Hoc worked well after racing at Wincanton last week and the Whitbread winner may prove the main danger to Gunther McBride .

He has shot up the ratings as a result of his wide-margin victory in the Racing Post Chase, but he clocked a very fast time at Kempton and it can pay to take a positive view of that form.

4.30 Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Chase:

A good run from Gunther McBride would boost the chance of Dulas Bay , who stayed on steadily to finish fourth at Kempton, showing conclusively that he is effective over three miles.

Light weights have a great record in this race and Bold King is worth noting on his return to fences.

5.05 Pertemps Final Handicap Hurdle:

Tony McCoy's chosen mount from a powerful Martin Pipe entry, Ideal Du Bois Beury is improving at a rate of knots judging by his emphatic success from Farmer Jack at Ascot last time.

He takes a considerable step up in distance but his sire, Useful, is a major influence for stamina and connections can have little doubt about his ability to stay. Irish raider Calladine and Historic, blinkered for the first time over hurdles, have to be respected.